Primary Inversion: A Novel of the Skolian Empire

The Skolian Empire rules a third of the civilized galaxy through its mastery of faster-than-light communication. But war with the rival empire of the Traders seems imminent, a war that can only lead to slavery for the Skolians or the destruction of both sides. Destructive skirmishes have already occurred. A desperate attempt must be made to avert total disaster.

The Charmed Sphere: Lost Continent, Book 1

Once Chime had been the most promising mage in the land, feted and celebrated for her potential and future role in the kingdom. Then Iris, her young competitor, made a stunning leap in skill and turned Chime's world upside down. Now no longer the most powerful, no longer promised to a prince - and still unable to harness her magic properly - Chime was set adrift. As was the new king's cousin - and former heir - Lord Muller.

The Hallowed Hunt

The half-mad Prince Boleso has been slain by a noblewoman he had intended to defile. It falls to Lord Ingrey kin Wilfcliff to transport the prince to his burial place and to bring the accused killer, Lady Ijada, to judgment. The road he travels with his burden and his prisoner is fraught with danger. But in the midst of political chaos, magic has the fiercer hold on Ingrey's destiny, and Ijada herself may turn out to be the only one he dares trust.

The Fifth Season: The Broken Earth, Book 1

This is the way the world ends. For the last time. A season of endings has begun. It starts with the great, red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal and long-dormant wounds rising up to fester. This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the Earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.

Written in Red: A Novel of the Others

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job.

Battle Cruiser: Lost Colonies, Book 1

One starship will either save Earth or destroy her. A century ago our star erupted, destroying Earth's wormhole network and closing off trade with her colonized planets. After being out of contact with the younger worlds for so many years, humanity is shocked when a huge ship appears at the edge of the solar system. Our outdated navy investigates, both curious and fearful. What they learn from the massive vessel shocks the planet.

Publisher's Summary

Ascendant Sun is the direct sequel to the Nebula Award finalist The Last Hawk.

Kelric returns to Skolian space, only to find the Empire in control of the Allied forces of Earth, thanks to the upheaval of the Radiance War. With little more than the clothes on his back and with his family imprisoned by the Allieds, Kelric is forced to take work on a merchant vessel. But when that vessel enters Euban space, Kelric finds his worst nightmare realized: he is auctioned as a slave "provider" to the cruel Aristos, who subject slaves to torture and sex to provide their ultimate telepathic emotional drug.

What the Critics Say

"Yet another fast-paced and pleasing entry in the Saga of the Skolian Empire." (Publishers Weekly) "The best of her Skolian Empire series. Asaro continues to oblige seekers of fast-paced entertainment with literate page-turners." (Booklist)

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

at 1.5 speed on my iPod, yes. Although sometimes I only half listened as it moved slowly in parts. Or he jumps in bed again.

Would you be willing to try another book from Catherine Asaro? Why or why not?

I've read a bunch of her Skolian Empire series. They are entertaining, but Catherine Asaro is no Lois McMaster Bujold, which is a constant disappointment. (Seriously, if you like sci fi and haven't read LMB, you MUST!)

Which scene was your favorite?

No spoilers, but there's a real tear jerker scene near the end of the book that made the rest of the book worthwhile. I actually did shed a few tears, and don't do that often! It says something about Anna Fields' performance as well.

Any additional comments?

Kelric seems to be a sex addict compared to his siblings and relatives followed in the other books of the Skolian Empire series. In both The Last Hawk and this book, Kelric sleeps with most of the women he comes into contact with. It gets a bit tiresome after a while. Is she writing a romance/sex novel or sci fi? Kelric seems like a bit of a dullard compared to his dynamic sister Sauscany. But ah well, still entertaining and worth the read. Somewhat necessary for understanding the context of books further along in the series.<br/><br/>I found it awfully convenient that when Kelric is sold into slavery as a Providor, that his situation doesn't turn out too badly for reasons I won't spoil here. But... awfully convenient. A lot of awfully convenient things happen in this book.